Ignite Bristol – 5 minutes of passion

This is a slightly belated post as the event took place in July. But now the all the videos from the event have been uploaded onto their site I thought I would write a little bit about Ignite Bristol.

The concept originated in the US and allows any motivated group of people to organise their own local event under the Ignite banner. Each event offers a line-up of speakers (vetted and chosen by the organiser using a pre-event application process) who each have 5 minutes to talk about a subject or an idea that is close to their heart. But the catch is that it has to be done to a slide presentation that is set to automatically advance every 15 seconds.

Ignite us, but make it quick

On first glance you may be tempted to pass this off as yet another business networking evening stuffed with tedious talks on how to improve your bottom-line. But the aim of Ignite is not to sell (in fact this is forbidden) and it’s certainly not an event that is focused on the business community. The quick-fire format also really helps the dynamic of the night giving it a pace and an energy more akin to stand-up comedy than a group of talks.

At the heart of the concept is the promotion and dissemination of ideas so what you get at Ignite (on the most part) is a platform for passion.

Variety is the spice of life

Speakers from Bristol’s first two events have included a cross-atlantic rower, Lindy Hop dancers, a 2000AD enthusiast, a cryptic crossword expert and a hypnotist, so I can pretty much guarantee that everyone who attends IgniteBristol #3 in October will learn at least one new thing (whether they like it or not).

Videos from the last two events are available on the Ignite Bristol website now if you’d like to see for yourself.

Victorian curiosities

I also have to give a quick plug to Simon Webb who’s talk from IgniteBristol #1 about Victorian inventions that never made the cut proved to be the funniest yet!

IgniteBristol #3 in October

The next event is on Sunday October 31st at The Tobacco Factory Theatre. As tickets are limited & FREE I would recommend following IgniteBristol on Twitter to avoid disappointment.